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Korb A, Tajbakhsh S, Comai GE. Functional specialisation and coordination of myonuclei. Biol Rev Camb Philos Soc 2024. [PMID: 38477382 DOI: 10.1111/brv.13063] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/10/2023] [Revised: 01/30/2024] [Accepted: 02/02/2024] [Indexed: 03/14/2024]
Abstract
Myofibres serve as the functional unit for locomotion, with the sarcomere as fundamental subunit. Running the entire length of this structure are hundreds of myonuclei, located at the periphery of the myofibre, juxtaposed to the plasma membrane. Myonuclear specialisation and clustering at the centre and ends of the fibre are known to be essential for muscle contraction, yet the molecular basis of this regionalisation has remained unclear. While the 'myonuclear domain hypothesis' helped explain how myonuclei can independently govern large cytoplasmic territories, novel technologies have provided granularity on the diverse transcriptional programs running simultaneously within the syncytia and added a new perspective on how myonuclei communicate. Building upon this, we explore the critical cellular and molecular sources of transcriptional and functional heterogeneity within myofibres, discussing the impact of intrinsic and extrinsic factors on myonuclear programs. This knowledge provides new insights for understanding muscle development, repair, and disease, but also opens avenues for the development of novel and precise therapeutic approaches.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amaury Korb
- Institut Pasteur, Université Paris Cité, CNRS UMR 3738, Stem Cells & Development Unit, 25 rue du Dr. Roux, Institut Pasteur, Paris, F-75015, France
| | - Shahragim Tajbakhsh
- Institut Pasteur, Université Paris Cité, CNRS UMR 3738, Stem Cells & Development Unit, 25 rue du Dr. Roux, Institut Pasteur, Paris, F-75015, France
| | - Glenda E Comai
- Institut Pasteur, Université Paris Cité, CNRS UMR 3738, Stem Cells & Development Unit, 25 rue du Dr. Roux, Institut Pasteur, Paris, F-75015, France
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2
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Dowling P, Trollet C, Negroni E, Swandulla D, Ohlendieck K. How Can Proteomics Help to Elucidate the Pathophysiological Crosstalk in Muscular Dystrophy and Associated Multi-System Dysfunction? Proteomes 2024; 12:4. [PMID: 38250815 PMCID: PMC10801633 DOI: 10.3390/proteomes12010004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/05/2023] [Revised: 01/09/2024] [Accepted: 01/12/2024] [Indexed: 01/23/2024] Open
Abstract
This perspective article is concerned with the question of how proteomics, which is a core technique of systems biology that is deeply embedded in the multi-omics field of modern bioresearch, can help us better understand the molecular pathogenesis of complex diseases. As an illustrative example of a monogenetic disorder that primarily affects the neuromuscular system but is characterized by a plethora of multi-system pathophysiological alterations, the muscle-wasting disease Duchenne muscular dystrophy was examined. Recent achievements in the field of dystrophinopathy research are described with special reference to the proteome-wide complexity of neuromuscular changes and body-wide alterations/adaptations. Based on a description of the current applications of top-down versus bottom-up proteomic approaches and their technical challenges, future systems biological approaches are outlined. The envisaged holistic and integromic bioanalysis would encompass the integration of diverse omics-type studies including inter- and intra-proteomics as the core disciplines for systematic protein evaluations, with sophisticated biomolecular analyses, including physiology, molecular biology, biochemistry and histochemistry. Integrated proteomic findings promise to be instrumental in improving our detailed knowledge of pathogenic mechanisms and multi-system dysfunction, widening the available biomarker signature of dystrophinopathy for improved diagnostic/prognostic procedures, and advancing the identification of novel therapeutic targets to treat Duchenne muscular dystrophy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paul Dowling
- Department of Biology, Maynooth University, National University of Ireland, W23 F2H6 Maynooth, Co. Kildare, Ireland;
- Kathleen Lonsdale Institute for Human Health Research, Maynooth University, W23 F2H6 Maynooth, Co. Kildare, Ireland
| | - Capucine Trollet
- Center for Research in Myology U974, Sorbonne Université, INSERM, Myology Institute, 75013 Paris, France; (C.T.); (E.N.)
| | - Elisa Negroni
- Center for Research in Myology U974, Sorbonne Université, INSERM, Myology Institute, 75013 Paris, France; (C.T.); (E.N.)
| | - Dieter Swandulla
- Institute of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Bonn, D53115 Bonn, Germany;
| | - Kay Ohlendieck
- Department of Biology, Maynooth University, National University of Ireland, W23 F2H6 Maynooth, Co. Kildare, Ireland;
- Kathleen Lonsdale Institute for Human Health Research, Maynooth University, W23 F2H6 Maynooth, Co. Kildare, Ireland
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3
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Qaisar R, Karim A, Iqbal MS, Alkahtani SA, Ahmad F, Kamli H. ACE Inhibitors Improve Skeletal Muscle by Preserving Neuromuscular Junctions in Patients with Alzheimer's Disease. J Alzheimers Dis 2023:JAD230201. [PMID: 37334602 DOI: 10.3233/jad-230201] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/20/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Hypertension and skeletal muscle decline are common findings in patients with Alzheimer's disease (AD). Angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors preserve skeletal muscle and physical capacity; however, the driving mechanisms are poorly understood. OBJECTIVE We investigated the effects of ACE inhibitors on the neuromuscular junction (NMJ) with relevance to skeletal muscle and physical capacity in AD patients and age-matched controls. METHODS We evaluated controls (n = 59) and three groups of AD patients, including normotensive (n = 51) and patients with hypertension taking ACE inhibitors (n = 53) or other anti-hypertensive medications (n = 49) at baseline and one year later. We measure plasma c-terminal agrin fragment-22 (CAF22) as a marker of NMJ degradation, handgrip strength (HGS), and Short Physical Performance Battery (SPPB) as markers of physical capacity. RESULTS At baseline AD patients demonstrated lower HGS and SPPB scores and higher CAF22 levels than controls, irrespective of the hypertension status (all p < 0.05). The use of ACE inhibitors was associated with higher HGS and relative maintenance of SPPB scores, gait speed, and plasma CAF22 levels. Conversely, other anti-hypertensive medications were associated with an unaltered HGS, reduced SPPB scores and elevated plasma CAF22 levels (both p < 0.05). We also found dynamic associations of CAF22 with HGS, gait speed, and SPPB in AD patients taking ACE inhibitors (all p < 0.05). These changes were associated with reduced oxidative stress in AD patients taking ACE inhibitors (p < 0.05). CONCLUSION Altogether, ACE inhibitors are associated with higher HGS, preserved physical capacity, and the prevention of NMJ degradation in hypertensive AD patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rizwan Qaisar
- Basic Medical Sciences, College of Medicine, University of Sharjah, Sharjah, United Arab Emirates
- Cardiovascular Research Group, Research Institute of Medical and Health Sciences, University of Sharjah, Sharjah, United Arab Emirates
| | - Asima Karim
- Basic Medical Sciences, College of Medicine, University of Sharjah, Sharjah, United Arab Emirates
| | - M Shahid Iqbal
- Department of Neurology and Stroke Medicine, Rehman Medical Institute, Peshawar, Pakistan
| | - Shaea A Alkahtani
- Exercise Physiology Department, College of Sport Sciences and Physical Activity, King Saud University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Firdos Ahmad
- Basic Medical Sciences, College of Medicine, University of Sharjah, Sharjah, United Arab Emirates
- Cardiovascular Research Group, Research Institute of Medical and Health Sciences, University of Sharjah, Sharjah, United Arab Emirates
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, College of Health Sciences, Abu Dhabi University, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
| | - Hossam Kamli
- Department of Clinical Laboratory Sciences, College of Applied Medical Sciences, King Khalid University, Abha, Saudi Arabia
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Paul TA, Macpherson PC, Janetzke TL, Davis CS, Jackson MJ, McArdle A, Brooks SV. Older mice show decreased regeneration of neuromuscular junctions following lengthening contraction-induced injury. GeroScience 2023; 45:1899-1912. [PMID: 36952126 PMCID: PMC10400502 DOI: 10.1007/s11357-023-00774-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/11/2022] [Accepted: 03/13/2023] [Indexed: 03/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Progressive muscle atrophy and loss of muscle strength associated with old age have been well documented. Although age-associated impairments in skeletal muscle regeneration following injury have been demonstrated, less is known about whether aging impacts the regenerative response of neuromuscular junctions (NMJ) following contraction-induced injury. Reduced ability of NMJs to regenerate could lead to increased numbers of denervated muscle fibers and therefore play a contributing role to age-related sarcopenia. To investigate the relationship between age and NMJ regeneration following injury, extensor digitorum longus (EDL) muscles of middle-aged (18-19 months) and old mice (27-28 months) were subjected to a protocol of lengthening contractions (LC) that resulted in an acute force deficit of ~55% as well as functional and histological evidence of a similar magnitude of injury 3 days post LCs that was not different between age groups. After 28 days, the architecture and innervation of the NMJs were evaluated. The numbers of fragmented endplates increased and of fully innervated NMJs decreased post-injury for the muscle of both middle-aged and old mice and for contralateral uninjured muscles of old compared with uninjured muscles of middle-aged controls. Thus, the diminished ability of the skeletal muscle of old mice to recover following injury may be due in part to an age-related decrease in the ability to regenerate NMJs in injured muscles. The impaired ability to regenerate NMJs may be a triggering factor for degenerative changes at the NMJ contributing to muscle fiber weakness and loss in old age.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thomas A. Paul
- Department of Molecular and Integrative Physiology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI USA
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Michigan, 2029 Biomedical Sciences Building, 109 Zina Pitcher Place, Ann Arbor, MI 48109-2200 USA
| | - Peter C. Macpherson
- Department of Molecular and Integrative Physiology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI USA
| | - Tara L. Janetzke
- Department of Molecular and Integrative Physiology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI USA
| | - Carol S. Davis
- Department of Molecular and Integrative Physiology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI USA
| | - Malcolm J. Jackson
- MRC-Versus Arthritis Centre for Integrated Research into Musculoskeletal Ageing (CIMA), Institute of Life Course and Ageing Science, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, UK
| | - Anne McArdle
- MRC-Versus Arthritis Centre for Integrated Research into Musculoskeletal Ageing (CIMA), Institute of Life Course and Ageing Science, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, UK
| | - Susan V. Brooks
- Department of Molecular and Integrative Physiology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI USA
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Michigan, 2029 Biomedical Sciences Building, 109 Zina Pitcher Place, Ann Arbor, MI 48109-2200 USA
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Chang M, Cai Y, Gao Z, Chen X, Liu B, Zhang C, Yu W, Cao Q, Shen Y, Yao X, Chen X, Sun H. Duchenne muscular dystrophy: pathogenesis and promising therapies. J Neurol 2023:10.1007/s00415-023-11796-x. [PMID: 37258941 DOI: 10.1007/s00415-023-11796-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/27/2023] [Revised: 05/24/2023] [Accepted: 05/25/2023] [Indexed: 06/02/2023]
Abstract
Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) is a severe, progressive, muscle-wasting disease, characterized by progressive deterioration of skeletal muscle that causes rapid loss of mobility. The failure in respiratory and cardiac muscles is the underlying cause of premature death in most patients with DMD. Mutations in the gene encoding dystrophin result in dystrophin deficiency, which is the underlying pathogenesis of DMD. Dystrophin-deficient myocytes are dysfunctional and vulnerable to injury, triggering a series of subsequent pathological changes. In this review, we detail the molecular mechanism of DMD, dystrophin deficiency-induced muscle cell damage (oxidative stress injury, dysregulated calcium homeostasis, and sarcolemma instability) and other cell damage and dysfunction (neuromuscular junction impairment and abnormal differentiation of muscle satellite). We also describe aberrant function of other cells and impaired muscle regeneration due to deterioration of the muscle microenvironment, and dystrophin deficiency-induced multiple organ dysfunction, while summarizing the recent advances in the treatment of DMD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mengyuan Chang
- Key Laboratory of Neuroregeneration of Jiangsu and Ministry of Education, Co-Innovation Center of Neuroregeneration, NMPA Key Laboratory for Research and Evaluation of Tissue Engineering Technology Products, Nantong University, Nantong, 226001, Jiangsu, People's Republic of China
| | - Yong Cai
- Department of Neurology, Binhai County People's Hospital, Yancheng, 224500, Jiangsu, People's Republic of China
| | - Zihui Gao
- Key Laboratory of Neuroregeneration of Jiangsu and Ministry of Education, Co-Innovation Center of Neuroregeneration, NMPA Key Laboratory for Research and Evaluation of Tissue Engineering Technology Products, Nantong University, Nantong, 226001, Jiangsu, People's Republic of China
| | - Xin Chen
- Department of Neurology, Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University, Nantong, 226001, Jiangsu, People's Republic of China
| | - Boya Liu
- Key Laboratory of Neuroregeneration of Jiangsu and Ministry of Education, Co-Innovation Center of Neuroregeneration, NMPA Key Laboratory for Research and Evaluation of Tissue Engineering Technology Products, Nantong University, Nantong, 226001, Jiangsu, People's Republic of China
| | - Cheng Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Neuroregeneration of Jiangsu and Ministry of Education, Co-Innovation Center of Neuroregeneration, NMPA Key Laboratory for Research and Evaluation of Tissue Engineering Technology Products, Nantong University, Nantong, 226001, Jiangsu, People's Republic of China
| | - Weiran Yu
- Department of Clinical Medicine, Medical College, Nantong University, Nantong, 226001, Jiangsu, People's Republic of China
| | - Qianqian Cao
- Key Laboratory of Neuroregeneration of Jiangsu and Ministry of Education, Co-Innovation Center of Neuroregeneration, NMPA Key Laboratory for Research and Evaluation of Tissue Engineering Technology Products, Nantong University, Nantong, 226001, Jiangsu, People's Republic of China
| | - Yuntian Shen
- Key Laboratory of Neuroregeneration of Jiangsu and Ministry of Education, Co-Innovation Center of Neuroregeneration, NMPA Key Laboratory for Research and Evaluation of Tissue Engineering Technology Products, Nantong University, Nantong, 226001, Jiangsu, People's Republic of China
| | - Xinlei Yao
- Key Laboratory of Neuroregeneration of Jiangsu and Ministry of Education, Co-Innovation Center of Neuroregeneration, NMPA Key Laboratory for Research and Evaluation of Tissue Engineering Technology Products, Nantong University, Nantong, 226001, Jiangsu, People's Republic of China.
| | - Xiaoyang Chen
- Department of Ultrasound, Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University, Nantong, 226001, Jiangsu, People's Republic of China.
| | - Hualin Sun
- Key Laboratory of Neuroregeneration of Jiangsu and Ministry of Education, Co-Innovation Center of Neuroregeneration, NMPA Key Laboratory for Research and Evaluation of Tissue Engineering Technology Products, Nantong University, Nantong, 226001, Jiangsu, People's Republic of China.
- Research and Development Center for E-Learning, Ministry of Education, Beijing, 100816, People's Republic of China.
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Sokolova AV, Domnina AP, Mikhailov VM. Accumulation of Dystrophin-Positive Muscle Fibers and Improvement of Neuromuscular Junctions in mdx Mouse Muscles after Bone Marrow Transplantation under Different Conditions. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24108892. [PMID: 37240237 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24108892] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/05/2023] [Revised: 05/13/2023] [Accepted: 05/14/2023] [Indexed: 05/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) is a severe muscular disorder caused by mutations in the dystrophin gene. It leads to respiratory and cardiac failure and premature death at a young age. Although recent studies have greatly deepened the understanding of the primary and secondary pathogenetic mechanisms of DMD, an effective treatment remains elusive. In recent decades, stem cells have emerged as a novel therapeutic product for a variety of diseases. In this study, we investigated nonmyeloablative bone marrow cell (BMC) transplantation as a method of cell therapy for DMD in an mdx mouse model. By using BMC transplantation from GFP-positive mice, we confirmed that BMCs participate in the muscle restoration of mdx mice. We analyzed both syngeneic and allogeneic BMC transplantation under different conditions. Our data indicated that 3 Gy X-ray irradiation with subsequent BMC transplantation improved dystrophin synthesis and the structure of striated muscle fibers (SMFs) in mdx mice as well as decreasing the death rate of SMFs. In addition, we observed the normalization of neuromuscular junctions (NMJs) in mdx mice after nonmyeloablative BMC transplantation. In conclusion, we demonstrated that nonmyeloablative BMC transplantation could be considered a method for DMD treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Alisa P Domnina
- Institute of Cytology, Russian Academy of Sciences, 194064 Saint-Petersburg, Russia
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Mikhail AI, Ng SY, Mattina SR, Ljubicic V. AMPK is mitochondrial medicine for neuromuscular disorders. Trends Mol Med 2023:S1471-4914(23)00070-9. [PMID: 37080889 DOI: 10.1016/j.molmed.2023.03.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/27/2023] [Revised: 03/23/2023] [Accepted: 03/27/2023] [Indexed: 04/22/2023]
Abstract
Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD), myotonic dystrophy type 1 (DM1), and spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) are the most prevalent neuromuscular disorders (NMDs) in children and adults. Central to a healthy neuromuscular system are the processes that govern mitochondrial turnover and dynamics, which are regulated by AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK). Here, we survey mitochondrial stresses that are common between, as well as unique to, DMD, DM1, and SMA, and which may serve as potential therapeutic targets to mitigate neuromuscular disease. We also highlight recent advances that leverage a mutation-agnostic strategy featuring physiological or pharmacological AMPK activation to enhance mitochondrial health in these conditions, as well as identify outstanding questions and opportunities for future pursuit.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrew I Mikhail
- Department of Kinesiology, Faculty of Science, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada.
| | - Sean Y Ng
- Department of Kinesiology, Faculty of Science, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada.
| | - Stephanie R Mattina
- Department of Kinesiology, Faculty of Science, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada.
| | - Vladimir Ljubicic
- Department of Kinesiology, Faculty of Science, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada.
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8
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Dubuisson N, Versele R, Planchon C, Selvais CM, Noel L, Abou-Samra M, Davis-López de Carrizosa MA. Histological Methods to Assess Skeletal Muscle Degeneration and Regeneration in Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:16080. [PMID: 36555721 PMCID: PMC9786356 DOI: 10.3390/ijms232416080] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/22/2022] [Revised: 12/09/2022] [Accepted: 12/14/2022] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) is a progressive disease caused by the loss of function of the protein dystrophin. This protein contributes to the stabilisation of striated cells during contraction, as it anchors the cytoskeleton with components of the extracellular matrix through the dystrophin-associated protein complex (DAPC). Moreover, absence of the functional protein affects the expression and function of proteins within the DAPC, leading to molecular events responsible for myofibre damage, muscle weakening, disability and, eventually, premature death. Presently, there is no cure for DMD, but different treatments help manage some of the symptoms. Advances in genetic and exon-skipping therapies are the most promising intervention, the safety and efficiency of which are tested in animal models. In addition to in vivo functional tests, ex vivo molecular evaluation aids assess to what extent the therapy has contributed to the regenerative process. In this regard, the later advances in microscopy and image acquisition systems and the current expansion of antibodies for immunohistological evaluation together with the development of different spectrum fluorescent dyes have made histology a crucial tool. Nevertheless, the complexity of the molecular events that take place in dystrophic muscles, together with the rise of a multitude of markers for each of the phases of the process, makes the histological assessment a challenging task. Therefore, here, we summarise and explain the rationale behind different histological techniques used in the literature to assess degeneration and regeneration in the field of dystrophinopathies, focusing especially on those related to DMD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicolas Dubuisson
- Endocrinology, Diabetes and Nutrition Unit, Institute of Experimental and Clinical Research, Medical Sector, Université Catholique de Louvain (UCLouvain), Avenue Hippocrate 55, 1200 Brussels, Belgium
- Neuromuscular Reference Center, Cliniques Universitaires Saint-Luc (CUSL), Avenue Hippocrate 10, 1200 Brussels, Belgium
| | - Romain Versele
- Endocrinology, Diabetes and Nutrition Unit, Institute of Experimental and Clinical Research, Medical Sector, Université Catholique de Louvain (UCLouvain), Avenue Hippocrate 55, 1200 Brussels, Belgium
| | - Chloé Planchon
- Endocrinology, Diabetes and Nutrition Unit, Institute of Experimental and Clinical Research, Medical Sector, Université Catholique de Louvain (UCLouvain), Avenue Hippocrate 55, 1200 Brussels, Belgium
| | - Camille M. Selvais
- Endocrinology, Diabetes and Nutrition Unit, Institute of Experimental and Clinical Research, Medical Sector, Université Catholique de Louvain (UCLouvain), Avenue Hippocrate 55, 1200 Brussels, Belgium
| | - Laurence Noel
- Endocrinology, Diabetes and Nutrition Unit, Institute of Experimental and Clinical Research, Medical Sector, Université Catholique de Louvain (UCLouvain), Avenue Hippocrate 55, 1200 Brussels, Belgium
| | - Michel Abou-Samra
- Endocrinology, Diabetes and Nutrition Unit, Institute of Experimental and Clinical Research, Medical Sector, Université Catholique de Louvain (UCLouvain), Avenue Hippocrate 55, 1200 Brussels, Belgium
| | - María A. Davis-López de Carrizosa
- Endocrinology, Diabetes and Nutrition Unit, Institute of Experimental and Clinical Research, Medical Sector, Université Catholique de Louvain (UCLouvain), Avenue Hippocrate 55, 1200 Brussels, Belgium
- Departamento de Fisiología, Facultad de Biología, Universidad de Sevilla, 41012 Seville, Spain
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Morotti M, Gaeta A, Limatola C, Catalano M, Di Castro MA, Grassi F. Early Developmental Changes of Muscle Acetylcholine Receptors Are Little Influenced by Dystrophin Absence in mdx Mouse. LIFE (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2022; 12:life12111861. [PMID: 36430996 PMCID: PMC9696329 DOI: 10.3390/life12111861] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/25/2022] [Revised: 11/09/2022] [Accepted: 11/10/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Dystrophin is a cytoskeletal protein contributing to the organization of the neuromuscular junction. In Duchenne muscular dystrophy, due to dystrophin absence, the distribution of endplate acetylcholine receptors (AChRs) becomes disorganized. It is still debated whether this is due to the absence of dystrophin or to the repeated damage/regeneration cycles typical of dystrophic muscle. We addressed this controversy studying the endplate in the first 3 postnatal weeks, when muscle damage in dystrophic (mdx) mice is minimal. By synaptic and extra-synaptic patch-clamp recordings in acutely dissociated mdx and wt muscle fibers, we recorded unitary events due to openings of AChR-channels containing the γ and ε subunit. We also examined AChR distribution at the endplate by immunofluorescence assays. No differences between wt and mdx fibers were found in the γ/ε switch, nor in the AChR organization at the endplates up to 21 postnatal days. Conversely, we detected a delayed appearance and disappearance of patches with high channel opening frequency in mdx fibers. Our data emphasize that the innervation-dependent γ/ε switch and AChR organization in the endplate are not affected by the absence of dystrophin, while extra-synaptic AChR cluster formation and disassembly could be differentially regulated in mdx mice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marta Morotti
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Sapienza University of Rome, 00185 Rome, Italy
| | - Alessandro Gaeta
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Sapienza University of Rome, 00185 Rome, Italy
| | - Cristina Limatola
- Laboratory Affiliated to Istituto Pasteur Italia, Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Sapienza University of Rome, 00185 Rome, Italy
- Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico (IRCCS) Neuromed, 86077 Pozzilli, Italy
| | - Myriam Catalano
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Sapienza University of Rome, 00185 Rome, Italy
| | - Maria Amalia Di Castro
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Sapienza University of Rome, 00185 Rome, Italy
| | - Francesca Grassi
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Sapienza University of Rome, 00185 Rome, Italy
- Correspondence:
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Williams K, Yokomori K, Mortazavi A. Heterogeneous Skeletal Muscle Cell and Nucleus Populations Identified by Single-Cell and Single-Nucleus Resolution Transcriptome Assays. Front Genet 2022; 13:835099. [PMID: 35646075 PMCID: PMC9136090 DOI: 10.3389/fgene.2022.835099] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2021] [Accepted: 03/25/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Single-cell RNA-seq (scRNA-seq) has revolutionized modern genomics, but the large size of myotubes and myofibers has restricted use of scRNA-seq in skeletal muscle. For the study of muscle, single-nucleus RNA-seq (snRNA-seq) has emerged not only as an alternative to scRNA-seq, but as a novel method providing valuable insights into multinucleated cells such as myofibers. Nuclei within myofibers specialize at junctions with other cell types such as motor neurons. Nuclear heterogeneity plays important roles in certain diseases such as muscular dystrophies. We survey current methods of high-throughput single cell and subcellular resolution transcriptomics, including single-cell and single-nucleus RNA-seq and spatial transcriptomics, applied to satellite cells, myoblasts, myotubes and myofibers. We summarize the major myonuclei subtypes identified in homeostatic and regenerating tissue including those specific to fiber type or at junctions with other cell types. Disease-specific nucleus populations were found in two muscular dystrophies, FSHD and Duchenne muscular dystrophy, demonstrating the importance of performing transcriptome studies at the single nucleus level in muscle.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katherine Williams
- Department of Developmental and Cell Biology, University of California, Irvine, Irvine, CA, United States
- Center for Complex Biological Systems, University of California, Irvine, Irvine, CA, United States
| | - Kyoko Yokomori
- Department of Biological Chemistry, School of Medicine, University of California, Irvine, Irvine, CA, United States
| | - Ali Mortazavi
- Department of Developmental and Cell Biology, University of California, Irvine, Irvine, CA, United States
- Center for Complex Biological Systems, University of California, Irvine, Irvine, CA, United States
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Stefano MED, Ferretti V, Mozzetta C. Synaptic alterations as a neurodevelopmental trait of Duchenne muscular dystrophy. Neurobiol Dis 2022; 168:105718. [PMID: 35390481 DOI: 10.1016/j.nbd.2022.105718] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/22/2021] [Revised: 03/28/2022] [Accepted: 03/29/2022] [Indexed: 01/14/2023] Open
Abstract
Dystrophinopaties, e.g., Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD), Becker muscular dystrophy and X-linked dilated cardiomyopathy are inherited neuromuscular diseases, characterized by progressive muscular degeneration, which however associate with a significant impact on general system physiology. The more severe is the pathology and its diversified manifestations, the heavier are its effects on organs, systems, and tissues other than muscles (skeletal, cardiac and smooth muscles). All dystrophinopaties are characterized by mutations in a single gene located on the X chromosome encoding dystrophin (Dp427) and its shorter isoforms, but DMD is the most devasting: muscular degenerations manifests within the first 4 years of life, progressively affecting motility and other muscular functions, and leads to a fatal outcome between the 20s and 40s. To date, after years of studies on both DMD patients and animal models of the disease, it has been clearly demonstrated that a significant percentage of DMD patients are also afflicted by cognitive, neurological, and autonomic disorders, of varying degree of severity. The anatomical correlates underlying neural functional damages are established during embryonic development and the early stages of postnatal life, when brain circuits, sensory and motor connections are still maturing. The impact of the absence of Dp427 on the development, differentiation, and consolidation of specific cerebral circuits (hippocampus, cerebellum, prefrontal cortex, amygdala) is significant, and amplified by the frequent lack of one or more of its lower molecular mass isoforms. The most relevant aspect, which characterizes DMD-associated neurological disorders, is based on morpho-functional alterations of selective synaptic connections within the affected brain areas. This pathological feature correlates neurological conditions of DMD to other severe neurological disorders, such as schizophrenia, epilepsy and autistic spectrum disorders, among others. This review discusses the organization and the role of the dystrophin-dystroglycan complex in muscles and neurons, focusing on the neurological aspect of DMD and on the most relevant morphological and functional synaptic alterations, in both central and autonomic nervous systems, described in the pathology and its animal models.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Egle De Stefano
- Department of Biology and Biotechnology "Charles Darwin", Sapienza University of Rome, 00185 Rome, Italy; Center for Research in Neurobiology Daniel Bovet, Sapienza University of Rome, 00185 Rome, Italy.
| | - Valentina Ferretti
- Department of Biology and Biotechnology "Charles Darwin", Sapienza University of Rome, 00185 Rome, Italy; Center for Research in Neurobiology Daniel Bovet, Sapienza University of Rome, 00185 Rome, Italy
| | - Chiara Mozzetta
- Institute of Molecular Biology and Pathology (IBPM), National Research Council (CNR) of Italy c/o Department of Biology and Biotechnology "Charles Darwin", Sapienza University of Rome, 00185 Rome, Italy
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12
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Kilroy EA, Ignacz AC, Brann KL, Schaffer CE, Varney D, Alrowaished SS, Silknitter KJ, Miner JN, Almaghasilah A, Spellen TL, Lewis AD, Tilbury K, King BL, Kelley JB, Henry CA. Beneficial impacts of neuromuscular electrical stimulation on muscle structure and function in the zebrafish model of Duchenne muscular dystrophy. eLife 2022; 11:62760. [PMID: 35324428 PMCID: PMC8947762 DOI: 10.7554/elife.62760] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/03/2020] [Accepted: 03/10/2022] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Neuromuscular electrical stimulation (NMES) allows activation of muscle fibers in the absence of voluntary force generation. NMES could have the potential to promote muscle homeostasis in the context of muscle disease, but the impacts of NMES on diseased muscle are not well understood. We used the zebrafish Duchenne muscular dystrophy (dmd) mutant and a longitudinal design to elucidate the consequences of NMES on muscle health. We designed four neuromuscular stimulation paradigms loosely based on weightlifting regimens. Each paradigm differentially affected neuromuscular structure, function, and survival. Only endurance neuromuscular stimulation (eNMES) improved all outcome measures. We found that eNMES improves muscle and neuromuscular junction morphology, swimming, and survival. Heme oxygenase and integrin alpha7 are required for eNMES-mediated improvement. Our data indicate that neuromuscular stimulation can be beneficial, suggesting that the right type of activity may benefit patients with muscle disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elisabeth A Kilroy
- Graduate School of Biomedical Science and Engineering, University of Maine, Orono, United States
| | - Amanda C Ignacz
- Graduate School of Biomedical Science and Engineering, University of Maine, Orono, United States
| | - Kaylee L Brann
- School of Biology and Ecology, University of Maine, Orono, United States
| | - Claire E Schaffer
- School of Biology and Ecology, University of Maine, Orono, United States
| | - Devon Varney
- School of Biology and Ecology, University of Maine, Orono, United States
| | | | - Kodey J Silknitter
- Graduate School of Biomedical Science and Engineering, University of Maine, Orono, United States
| | - Jordan N Miner
- Department of Chemical and Biomedical Engineering, University of Maine, Orono, United States
| | - Ahmed Almaghasilah
- Graduate School of Biomedical Science and Engineering, University of Maine, Orono, United States
| | - Tashawna L Spellen
- School of Biology and Ecology, University of Maine, Orono, United States
| | - Alexandra D Lewis
- School of Biology and Ecology, University of Maine, Orono, United States
| | - Karissa Tilbury
- Graduate School of Biomedical Science and Engineering, University of Maine, Orono, United States.,Department of Chemical and Biomedical Engineering, University of Maine, Orono, United States
| | - Benjamin L King
- Graduate School of Biomedical Science and Engineering, University of Maine, Orono, United States.,Department of Molecular and Biomedical Sciences, University of Maine, Orono, United States
| | - Joshua B Kelley
- Graduate School of Biomedical Science and Engineering, University of Maine, Orono, United States.,Department of Molecular and Biomedical Sciences, University of Maine, Orono, United States
| | - Clarissa A Henry
- Graduate School of Biomedical Science and Engineering, University of Maine, Orono, United States.,School of Biology and Ecology, University of Maine, Orono, United States
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13
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Ganassi M, Zammit PS. Involvement of muscle satellite cell dysfunction in neuromuscular disorders: Expanding the portfolio of satellite cell-opathies. Eur J Transl Myol 2022; 32:10064. [PMID: 35302338 PMCID: PMC8992676 DOI: 10.4081/ejtm.2022.10064] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2021] [Accepted: 02/11/2022] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
Neuromuscular disorders are a heterogeneous group of acquired or hereditary conditions that affect striated muscle function. The resulting decrease in muscle strength and motility irreversibly impacts quality of life. In addition to directly affecting skeletal muscle, pathogenesis can also arise from dysfunctional crosstalk between nerves and muscles, and may include cardiac impairment. Muscular weakness is often progressive and paralleled by continuous decline in the ability of skeletal muscle to functionally adapt and regenerate. Normally, the skeletal muscle resident stem cells, named satellite cells, ensure tissue homeostasis by providing myoblasts for growth, maintenance, repair and regeneration. We recently defined 'Satellite Cell-opathies' as those inherited neuromuscular conditions presenting satellite cell dysfunction in muscular dystrophies and myopathies (doi:10.1016/j.yexcr.2021.112906). Here, we expand the portfolio of Satellite Cell-opathies by evaluating the potential impairment of satellite cell function across all 16 categories of neuromuscular disorders, including those with mainly neurogenic and cardiac involvement. We explore the expression dynamics of myopathogenes, genes whose mutation leads to skeletal muscle pathogenesis, using transcriptomic analysis. This revealed that 45% of myopathogenes are differentially expressed during early satellite cell activation (0 - 5 hours). Of these 271 myopathogenes, 83 respond to Pax7, a master regulator of satellite cells. Our analysis suggests possible perturbation of satellite cell function in many neuromuscular disorders across all categories, including those where skeletal muscle pathology is not predominant. This characterisation further aids understanding of pathomechanisms and informs on development of prognostic and diagnostic tools, and ultimately, new therapeutics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Massimo Ganassi
- King's College London, Randall Centre for Cell and Molecular Biophysics, Guy's Campus, London.
| | - Peter S Zammit
- King's College London, Randall Centre for Cell and Molecular Biophysics, Guy's Campus, London.
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14
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Ohlendieck K, Swandulla D. Complexity of skeletal muscle degeneration: multi-systems pathophysiology and organ crosstalk in dystrophinopathy. Pflugers Arch 2021; 473:1813-1839. [PMID: 34553265 PMCID: PMC8599371 DOI: 10.1007/s00424-021-02623-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/21/2021] [Revised: 09/07/2021] [Accepted: 09/08/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Duchenne muscular dystrophy is a highly progressive muscle wasting disorder due to primary abnormalities in one of the largest genes in the human genome, the DMD gene, which encodes various tissue-specific isoforms of the protein dystrophin. Although dystrophinopathies are classified as primary neuromuscular disorders, the body-wide abnormalities that are associated with this disorder and the occurrence of organ crosstalk suggest that a multi-systems pathophysiological view should be taken for a better overall understanding of the complex aetiology of X-linked muscular dystrophy. This article reviews the molecular and cellular effects of deficiency in dystrophin isoforms in relation to voluntary striated muscles, the cardio-respiratory system, the kidney, the liver, the gastrointestinal tract, the nervous system and the immune system. Based on the establishment of comprehensive biomarker signatures of X-linked muscular dystrophy using large-scale screening of both patient specimens and genetic animal models, this article also discusses the potential usefulness of novel disease markers for more inclusive approaches to differential diagnosis, prognosis and therapy monitoring that also take into account multi-systems aspects of dystrophinopathy. Current therapeutic approaches to combat muscular dystrophy are summarised.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kay Ohlendieck
- Department of Biology, Maynooth University, National University of Ireland, Co. Kildare, Maynooth, W23F2H6, Ireland.
- Kathleen Lonsdale Institute for Human Health Research, Maynooth University, Co. Kildare, Maynooth, W23F2H6, Ireland.
| | - Dieter Swandulla
- Institute of Physiology, University of Bonn, 53115, Bonn, Germany.
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15
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Paredes-Redondo A, Harley P, Maniati E, Ryan D, Louzada S, Meng J, Kowala A, Fu B, Yang F, Liu P, Marino S, Pourquié O, Muntoni F, Wang J, Lieberam I, Lin YY. Optogenetic modeling of human neuromuscular circuits in Duchenne muscular dystrophy with CRISPR and pharmacological corrections. SCIENCE ADVANCES 2021; 7:eabi8787. [PMID: 34516770 PMCID: PMC8442926 DOI: 10.1126/sciadv.abi8787] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/07/2021] [Accepted: 07/20/2021] [Indexed: 05/13/2023]
Abstract
Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) is caused by dystrophin gene mutations leading to skeletal muscle weakness and wasting. Dystrophin is enriched at the neuromuscular junction (NMJ), but how NMJ abnormalities contribute to DMD pathogenesis remains unclear. Here, we combine transcriptome analysis and modeling of DMD patient-derived neuromuscular circuits with CRISPR-corrected isogenic controls in compartmentalized microdevices. We show that NMJ volumes and optogenetic motor neuron–stimulated myofiber contraction are compromised in DMD neuromuscular circuits, which can be rescued by pharmacological inhibition of TGFβ signaling, an observation validated in a 96-well human neuromuscular circuit coculture assay. These beneficial effects are associated with normalization of dysregulated gene expression in DMD myogenic transcriptomes affecting NMJ assembly (e.g., MUSK) and axon guidance (e.g., SLIT2 and SLIT3). Our study provides a new human microphysiological model for investigating NMJ defects in DMD and assessing candidate drugs and suggests that enhancing neuromuscular connectivity may be an effective therapeutic strategy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amaia Paredes-Redondo
- Centre for Genomics and Child Health, Blizard
Institute, Barts and the London School of Medicine and Dentistry, Queen Mary
University of London, 4 Newark Street, London E1 2AT, UK
- Stem Cell Laboratory, National Bowel Research Centre,
Blizard Institute, Barts and the London School of Medicine and Dentistry, Queen
Mary University of London, 2 Newark Street, London E1 2AT, UK
- Centre for Predictive in vitro Model, Queen Mary
University of London, Mile End Road, London E1 4NS, UK
| | - Peter Harley
- Centre for Stem Cells and Regenerative Medicine, MRC
Centre for Neurodevelopmental Disorders, and Centre for Developmental
Neurobiology, King’s College London, London, UK
| | - Eleni Maniati
- Centre for Cancer Genomics and Computational Biology,
Barts Cancer Institute, Queen Mary University of London, London, UK
| | - David Ryan
- Wellcome Sanger Institute, Wellcome Genome Campus,
Hinxton, Cambridge CB10 1SA, UK
| | - Sandra Louzada
- Wellcome Sanger Institute, Wellcome Genome Campus,
Hinxton, Cambridge CB10 1SA, UK
| | - Jinhong Meng
- UCL Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health, 30
Guilford Street, London WC1N 1EH, UK
| | - Anna Kowala
- Centre for Genomics and Child Health, Blizard
Institute, Barts and the London School of Medicine and Dentistry, Queen Mary
University of London, 4 Newark Street, London E1 2AT, UK
- Stem Cell Laboratory, National Bowel Research Centre,
Blizard Institute, Barts and the London School of Medicine and Dentistry, Queen
Mary University of London, 2 Newark Street, London E1 2AT, UK
- Centre for Predictive in vitro Model, Queen Mary
University of London, Mile End Road, London E1 4NS, UK
| | - Beiyuan Fu
- Wellcome Sanger Institute, Wellcome Genome Campus,
Hinxton, Cambridge CB10 1SA, UK
| | - Fengtang Yang
- Wellcome Sanger Institute, Wellcome Genome Campus,
Hinxton, Cambridge CB10 1SA, UK
| | - Pentao Liu
- School of Biomedical Sciences, Stem Cell and
Regenerative Medicine Consortium, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The
University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Silvia Marino
- Centre for Genomics and Child Health, Blizard
Institute, Barts and the London School of Medicine and Dentistry, Queen Mary
University of London, 4 Newark Street, London E1 2AT, UK
| | - Olivier Pourquié
- Department of Genetics and Department of Pathology,
Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Harvard Medical School, 60 Fenwood Road,
Boston, MA, USA
| | - Francesco Muntoni
- UCL Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health, 30
Guilford Street, London WC1N 1EH, UK
- NIHR Biomedical Research Centre, Great Ormond
Street Hospital, Great Ormond Street, London, UK
| | - Jun Wang
- Centre for Cancer Genomics and Computational Biology,
Barts Cancer Institute, Queen Mary University of London, London, UK
| | - Ivo Lieberam
- Centre for Stem Cells and Regenerative Medicine, MRC
Centre for Neurodevelopmental Disorders, and Centre for Developmental
Neurobiology, King’s College London, London, UK
| | - Yung-Yao Lin
- Centre for Genomics and Child Health, Blizard
Institute, Barts and the London School of Medicine and Dentistry, Queen Mary
University of London, 4 Newark Street, London E1 2AT, UK
- Stem Cell Laboratory, National Bowel Research Centre,
Blizard Institute, Barts and the London School of Medicine and Dentistry, Queen
Mary University of London, 2 Newark Street, London E1 2AT, UK
- Centre for Predictive in vitro Model, Queen Mary
University of London, Mile End Road, London E1 4NS, UK
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16
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The Neuromuscular Junction: Roles in Aging and Neuromuscular Disease. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms22158058. [PMID: 34360831 PMCID: PMC8347593 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22158058] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/07/2021] [Revised: 07/20/2021] [Accepted: 07/22/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
The neuromuscular junction (NMJ) is a specialized synapse that bridges the motor neuron and the skeletal muscle fiber and is crucial for conversion of electrical impulses originating in the motor neuron to action potentials in the muscle fiber. The consideration of contributing factors to skeletal muscle injury, muscular dystrophy and sarcopenia cannot be restricted only to processes intrinsic to the muscle, as data show that these conditions incur denervation-like findings, such as fragmented NMJ morphology and corresponding functional changes in neuromuscular transmission. Primary defects in the NMJ also influence functional loss in motor neuron disease, congenital myasthenic syndromes and myasthenia gravis, resulting in skeletal muscle weakness and heightened fatigue. Such findings underscore the role that the NMJ plays in neuromuscular performance. Regardless of cause or effect, functional denervation is now an accepted consequence of sarcopenia and muscle disease. In this short review, we provide an overview of the pathologic etiology, symptoms, and therapeutic strategies related to the NMJ. In particular, we examine the role of the NMJ as a disease modifier and a potential therapeutic target in neuromuscular injury and disease.
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17
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Deschenes MR, Trebelhorn AM, High MC, Tufts HL, Oh J. Sensitivity of subcellular components of neuromuscular junctions to decreased neuromuscular activity. Synapse 2021; 75:e22220. [PMID: 34318955 DOI: 10.1002/syn.22220] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/04/2021] [Revised: 07/21/2021] [Accepted: 07/22/2021] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Muscle unloading imparts subtotal disuse on the neuromuscular system resulting in reduced performance capacity. This loss of function, at least in part, can be attributed to disruptions at the neuromuscular junction (NMJ). However, research has failed to document morphological remodeling of the NMJ with short term muscle unloading. Here, rather than quantifying cellular components of the NMJ, we examined subcellular active zone responses to 2 weeks of unloading in male Wistar rats. It was revealed that in the plantaris, but not the soleus muscles, unloading elicited significant (P ≤ 0.05) decrements in active zone staining as measured by Bassoon, and calcium channel expression. It was also discovered that unloading decreased the area of calcium channels staining relative to active zone areas of staining suggesting potential interference in the ability of calcium influx to trigger the release of vesicles docked at the active zone. Post-synaptic adaptations of the motor endplate were not evident. This presynaptic subcellular size reduction was not associated with atrophy of the underlying plantaris muscle fibers, although atrophy of the weight-bearing soleus fibers, where no subcellular remodeling was evident, was noted. These results suggest that the active zone is highly sensitive to alterations in neuromuscular activity, and that morphological adaptation of excitatory and contractile components of the NMJ can occur independently of each other.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael R Deschenes
- Department of Kinesiology & Health Sciences, College of William & Mary, Williamsburg, Virginia, USA.,Program in Neuroscience, College of William & Mary, Williamsburg, Virginia, USA
| | - Audrey M Trebelhorn
- Department of Kinesiology & Health Sciences, College of William & Mary, Williamsburg, Virginia, USA
| | - Madeline C High
- Department of Kinesiology & Health Sciences, College of William & Mary, Williamsburg, Virginia, USA
| | - Hannah L Tufts
- Program in Neuroscience, College of William & Mary, Williamsburg, Virginia, USA
| | - Jeongeun Oh
- Department of Kinesiology & Health Sciences, College of William & Mary, Williamsburg, Virginia, USA
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18
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Hui T, Jing H, Zhou T, Chen P, Liu Z, Dong X, Yan M, Ren D, Zou S, Wang S, Fei E, Hong D, Lai X. Increasing LRP4 diminishes neuromuscular deficits in a mouse model of Duchenne muscular dystrophy. Hum Mol Genet 2021; 30:1579-1590. [PMID: 33987657 PMCID: PMC8369839 DOI: 10.1093/hmg/ddab135] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/06/2021] [Revised: 04/30/2021] [Accepted: 05/03/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) is an X-linked neuromuscular disease characterized by progressive wasting of skeletal muscles. The neuromuscular junction (NMJ) is a synapse between motor neurons and skeletal muscle fibers, critical for the control of muscle contraction. The NMJ decline is observed in DMD patients, but the mechanism is unclear. LRP4 serves as a receptor for agrin, a proteoglycan secreted by motor neurons to induce NMJ, and plays a critical role in NMJ formation and maintenance. Interestingly, we found that protein levels of LRP4 were reduced both in muscles of the DMD patients and DMD model mdx mice. We explored whether increasing LRP4 is beneficial for DMD and crossed muscle-specific LRP4 transgenic mice with mdx mice (mdx; HSA-LRP4). The LRP4 transgene increased muscle strength, together with improved neuromuscular transmission in mdx mice. Furthermore, we found the LRP4 expression mitigated NMJ fragments and denervation in mdx mice. Mechanically, we showed that overexpression of LRP4 increased the activity of MuSK and expression of dystrophin-associated glycoprotein complex proteins in the mdx mice. Overall, our findings suggest that increasing LRP4 improves both function and structure of NMJ in the mdx mice and Agrin signaling might serve as a new therapeutic strategy in DMD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tiankun Hui
- School of Life Science, Nanchang University, Nanchang, Jiangxi, China.,Laboratory of Synaptic Development and Plasticity, Institute of Life Science, Nanchang University, Nanchang, Jiangxi, China
| | - Hongyang Jing
- School of Life Science, Nanchang University, Nanchang, Jiangxi, China.,Laboratory of Synaptic Development and Plasticity, Institute of Life Science, Nanchang University, Nanchang, Jiangxi, China
| | - Tian Zhou
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Nanchang University, Nanchang, Jiangxi, China
| | - Peng Chen
- School of Life Science, Nanchang University, Nanchang, Jiangxi, China.,Laboratory of Synaptic Development and Plasticity, Institute of Life Science, Nanchang University, Nanchang, Jiangxi, China
| | - Ziyang Liu
- School of Life Science, Nanchang University, Nanchang, Jiangxi, China.,Laboratory of Synaptic Development and Plasticity, Institute of Life Science, Nanchang University, Nanchang, Jiangxi, China
| | - Xia Dong
- Laboratory of Synaptic Development and Plasticity, Institute of Life Science, Nanchang University, Nanchang, Jiangxi, China.,School of Basic Medical Sciences, Nanchang University, Nanchang, Jiangxi, China
| | - Min Yan
- Laboratory of Synaptic Development and Plasticity, Institute of Life Science, Nanchang University, Nanchang, Jiangxi, China.,School of Basic Medical Sciences, Nanchang University, Nanchang, Jiangxi, China
| | - Dongyan Ren
- School of Life Science, Nanchang University, Nanchang, Jiangxi, China.,Laboratory of Synaptic Development and Plasticity, Institute of Life Science, Nanchang University, Nanchang, Jiangxi, China
| | - Suqi Zou
- School of Life Science, Nanchang University, Nanchang, Jiangxi, China.,Laboratory of Synaptic Development and Plasticity, Institute of Life Science, Nanchang University, Nanchang, Jiangxi, China
| | - Shunqi Wang
- School of Life Science, Nanchang University, Nanchang, Jiangxi, China.,Laboratory of Synaptic Development and Plasticity, Institute of Life Science, Nanchang University, Nanchang, Jiangxi, China
| | - Erkang Fei
- School of Life Science, Nanchang University, Nanchang, Jiangxi, China.,Laboratory of Synaptic Development and Plasticity, Institute of Life Science, Nanchang University, Nanchang, Jiangxi, China
| | - Daojun Hong
- Department of Neurology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang, Jiangxi, China
| | - Xinsheng Lai
- School of Life Science, Nanchang University, Nanchang, Jiangxi, China.,Laboratory of Synaptic Development and Plasticity, Institute of Life Science, Nanchang University, Nanchang, Jiangxi, China
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19
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Starosta A, Konieczny P. Therapeutic aspects of cell signaling and communication in Duchenne muscular dystrophy. Cell Mol Life Sci 2021; 78:4867-4891. [PMID: 33825942 PMCID: PMC8233280 DOI: 10.1007/s00018-021-03821-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/06/2020] [Revised: 02/26/2021] [Accepted: 03/23/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) is a devastating chromosome X-linked disease that manifests predominantly in progressive skeletal muscle wasting and dysfunctions in the heart and diaphragm. Approximately 1/5000 boys and 1/50,000,000 girls suffer from DMD, and to date, the disease is incurable and leads to premature death. This phenotypic severity is due to mutations in the DMD gene, which result in the absence of functional dystrophin protein. Initially, dystrophin was thought to be a force transducer; however, it is now considered an essential component of the dystrophin-associated protein complex (DAPC), viewed as a multicomponent mechanical scaffold and a signal transduction hub. Modulating signal pathway activation or gene expression through epigenetic modifications has emerged at the forefront of therapeutic approaches as either an adjunct or stand-alone strategy. In this review, we propose a broader perspective by considering DMD to be a disease that affects myofibers and muscle stem (satellite) cells, as well as a disorder in which abrogated communication between different cell types occurs. We believe that by taking this systemic view, we can achieve safe and holistic treatments that can restore correct signal transmission and gene expression in diseased DMD tissues.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alicja Starosta
- Faculty of Biology, Institute of Human Biology and Evolution, Adam Mickiewicz University, ul. Uniwersytetu Poznańskiego 6, 61-614, Poznań, Poland
| | - Patryk Konieczny
- Faculty of Biology, Institute of Human Biology and Evolution, Adam Mickiewicz University, ul. Uniwersytetu Poznańskiego 6, 61-614, Poznań, Poland.
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20
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Dowling P, Gargan S, Murphy S, Zweyer M, Sabir H, Swandulla D, Ohlendieck K. The Dystrophin Node as Integrator of Cytoskeletal Organization, Lateral Force Transmission, Fiber Stability and Cellular Signaling in Skeletal Muscle. Proteomes 2021; 9:9. [PMID: 33540575 PMCID: PMC7931087 DOI: 10.3390/proteomes9010009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/11/2020] [Revised: 01/22/2021] [Accepted: 01/27/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The systematic bioanalytical characterization of the protein product of the DMD gene, which is defective in the pediatric disorder Duchenne muscular dystrophy, led to the discovery of the membrane cytoskeletal protein dystrophin. Its full-length muscle isoform Dp427-M is tightly linked to a sarcolemma-associated complex consisting of dystroglycans, sarcoglyans, sarcospan, dystrobrevins and syntrophins. Besides these core members of the dystrophin-glycoprotein complex, the wider dystrophin-associated network includes key proteins belonging to the intracellular cytoskeleton and microtubular assembly, the basal lamina and extracellular matrix, various plasma membrane proteins and cytosolic components. Here, we review the central role of the dystrophin complex as a master node in muscle fibers that integrates cytoskeletal organization and cellular signaling at the muscle periphery, as well as providing sarcolemmal stabilization and contractile force transmission to the extracellular region. The combination of optimized tissue extraction, subcellular fractionation, advanced protein co-purification strategies, immunoprecipitation, liquid chromatography and two-dimensional gel electrophoresis with modern mass spectrometry-based proteomics has confirmed the composition of the core dystrophin complex at the sarcolemma membrane. Importantly, these biochemical and mass spectrometric surveys have identified additional members of the wider dystrophin network including biglycan, cavin, synemin, desmoglein, tubulin, plakoglobin, cytokeratin and a variety of signaling proteins and ion channels.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paul Dowling
- Department of Biology, Maynooth University, National University of Ireland, W23F2H6 Maynooth, Co. Kildare, Ireland; (P.D.); (S.G.)
- Kathleen Lonsdale Institute for Human Health Research, Maynooth University, W23F2H6 Maynooth, Co. Kildare, Ireland
| | - Stephen Gargan
- Department of Biology, Maynooth University, National University of Ireland, W23F2H6 Maynooth, Co. Kildare, Ireland; (P.D.); (S.G.)
- Kathleen Lonsdale Institute for Human Health Research, Maynooth University, W23F2H6 Maynooth, Co. Kildare, Ireland
| | - Sandra Murphy
- Newcastle Fibrosis Research Group, Newcastle University Biosciences Institute, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne NE24HH, UK;
| | - Margit Zweyer
- Department of Neonatology and Paediatric Intensive Care, Children’s Hospital, University of Bonn, D53113 Bonn, Germany; (M.Z.); (H.S.)
| | - Hemmen Sabir
- Department of Neonatology and Paediatric Intensive Care, Children’s Hospital, University of Bonn, D53113 Bonn, Germany; (M.Z.); (H.S.)
| | - Dieter Swandulla
- Institute of Physiology II, University of Bonn, D53115 Bonn, Germany;
| | - Kay Ohlendieck
- Department of Biology, Maynooth University, National University of Ireland, W23F2H6 Maynooth, Co. Kildare, Ireland; (P.D.); (S.G.)
- Kathleen Lonsdale Institute for Human Health Research, Maynooth University, W23F2H6 Maynooth, Co. Kildare, Ireland
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